The Damned United, 2009

Micheal Sheen seems to specialize in playing well known Englishmen. David Frost, Tony Blair and here Brian Clough. I'll admit I knew nothing about English soccer or Mr. Clough going in but was engaged by the story of this hardheaded coach. It's structured around his short stint with Leeds United in the mid-seventies, and the double edged sword of his outspoken personality. It doesn't delve too deeply into his psychology but concentrates instead on the results of his behavior, good and bad. Interestingly, there's a subliminal love story here in is his relationship with assistant Peter Taylor, and it's played with humorous homoerotic undercurrents. It's done very slyly. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) 3 and a half stars. Solid sports film.

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